Blog from May, 2024

Starting August 20, 2024, we will have an update for Avigilon Alta hardware devices.

Controller OS Update - (Access Control Core, Single Door Controller, First Gen Controllers)

Firmware Update - (Smart Readers, Smart Keypad Readers, Video Reader Pro, Video Intercom Reader Pro, and Expansion Boards)

Note: Available updates are major releases and cannot be performed using the batch actions feature.
We recommend performing the update on-site to handle any potential reboots or troubleshooting if required.

We are upgrading all controllers to a newer Linux kernel and operating system version, specifically from kernel Version 4.x to 5.x. This update aims to improve the operating system's stability and security and ensure compatibility for future feature developments.

Additionally, we are updating the firmware of the Smart Readers and Smart Keypad Readers, including the Video Reader Pro, Video Intercom Reader Pro, and Expansion Board to enhance performance and address any existing bugs. Smart reader HW types ≤16 will not receive the firmware update.

Please note that this is a manual update and not part of your scheduled maintenance window. To update your devices, navigate to Devices > Device updates. Click on “Important update - Action Required” to access crucial information about the update.

Note: Although updates have been tested under various network conditions, customers may have unique configurations, firewalls, and intrusion systems specific to their environments. Ensuring the system can communicate outbound during the upgrade will help ensure a smooth process.

The update is performed through Control Center but some customers may request partners to be on-site for the update to handle any potential troubleshooting if required.

If you opt to update your device, the process will take place within a 2-hour window. Please be aware that this update requires manual intervention and will result in downtime for your device.

Warning: During the update process, associated entries will be unavailable. The approximate length of the updates is as follows:

Smart Readers - 5 minutes per reader

Expansion Boards - 5 minutes per board

ACUs - 10 minutes

The update process on average is between 30 minutes to 3.5 hours to fully complete depending on the number of readers connected to an ACU and network speeds. Because of this, we DO NOT recommend updating all ACUs simultaneously.

Once complete, all device hardware will automatically reboot and return to active status. Multiple device reboots will occur throughout the process.

If you experience any issues don't hesitate to contact Avigilon Alta Support.